I have been doing the core protocol for about 10 months with good results. I recently added the astragalus as a preventive measure and had some unpleasant side effects which made me think that I probably have chronic lyme. If that is the case, is there an alternative for those who reside in endemic areas?
I would immediately add teasel tincture. Begin with 3 drops 3x daily and then, if your symptoms do not resolve in three or four days, increase to 10 drops, and so on until your symptoms resolve. Once you are feeling better I would suggest you use a 1:5 eleutherococcus tincture and see how that works for you, 10-30 drops 3x daily. It is much easier on the system and is more of a long term tonic. The side effects you mention I have never heard of in relation to taking eleutherococcus so I don’t really know what to say about what generated them.
I have been using eleuthero tincture for chronic Lyme and mycoplasma for a year now, to excellent results. It really helps with my energy and stamina, but it caused herxing for a few days in the first few cycles (of 60 days). I started taking it only after a year on the Vital Plan Restore Kit (Dr. Rawls), which I am still taking along with several other herbs. Stephen Buhner recommends a 2-week pause for eleuthero every 60 days. I do this, but I miss my eleuthero! Does anyone know why this pause is necessary? Can you point me to your source? Thank you!
What a great list! And I can confirm I def feel better when I start any meal with big green olives (i like them stuffed with almonds and with garlic!) I also eat artichocke hearts and try and drink bitters and soda (actually Gerolsteiner water) every evening before eating dinner. Can also attest to feeling betetr when my dinner is spicy Indian food. First I’m hearing that salty, spicy and pungent foods are good lyme ammo! It’s such a relief to see anything confirmed. Especially with diet.